Ralph Logner of Chapel Hill owns two pit bulls, Cisco and Roscoe. In March, the dogs got loose from their Orange County home and attacked a pug. Then in April, they attacked another dog. On Tuesday, while in the care of a friend in Durham, the same dogs burst through this fence and attacked Solo, a Shar-Pei.
Logner's dogs owe their lives to a county line. Officials said if the most recent attack had been in Orange County, they would have been euthanized. Since the incident happened in Durham County, Logner's dogs have a second chance.
"He clearly is not taking it seriously. We're hoping that this declaration, he will take seriously," said Cindy Bailey, director of Durham County animal control.
Under state law, the dogs are now declared "dangerous," which means their owner must submit to tight restrictions and unannounced inspections.
"In the event these animals are loose again, and we cannot find the owner and they are threatening someone, then these animals can be shot," Bailey said.
If another attack happens in Orange or Durham counties, the pit bulls will be euthanized. However, there are 98 other counties in North Carolina.
"He could move to a third county then we'd start back over again," said Laura Walters, director of the Orange County animal shelter.
Logner is said to be on his way back from Florida to reclaim his dogs. He will have to fill out some forms, agree to more home inspections and pay about $100 in fees and penalties.
Officials will hold a press conference 2 p.m. Thursday to discuss the possible fate of the two dogs.
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